ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox crossed the 45 million user threshold and were included in the EU's most stringent regulatory list
The European Commission classified ChatGPT as a "very large online search engine" and Reddit and Roblox as "very large online platforms". The three must comply with the strictest regulations of the "Digital Services Act" within four months.
45 million is the line used by the European Union to distinguish between "large" and "extremely large". When the average number of monthly users of a platform in the EU crosses this threshold, what awaits it is no longer general regulations, but the most stringent set of rules in the Digital Services Act (DSA). The three names that crossed the line this time came together somewhat unexpectedly: ChatGPT, Reddit, and Roblox.
The European Commission classified ChatGPT as a "Very Large Online Search Engine", while Reddit and Roblox were classified as "Very Large Online Platform". All three have reached at least 45 million average monthly users in the EU, triggering a classification that officials describe as the "strictest rules."
Henna Virkkunen, executive vice president of the European Commission responsible for technological sovereignty, security and democracy, said in a press release that these new classifications mean that ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox will face higher standards of review and accountability, on the grounds that these platforms already have a considerable degree of influence on EU citizens and society.
What exactly does the "extra large" label bring? According to the European Commission, the services and algorithm systems of these three platforms will be subject to stricter enforcement, focusing on the spread of illegal content, negative impacts on minors, and potential impacts on the electoral process. At the same time, the Executive Committee will also more intensively supervise whether these platforms comply with DSA requirements, including requiring the platforms to share information with the Executive Committee and relevant competent authorities, accept annual review by independent auditing agencies, and allow researchers to access platform data under certain circumstances.
A Reddit spokesperson issued a statement to Engadget after the report was published: "Reddit is committed to complying with EU digital services law. We are ready to comply with VLOP requirements and look forward to coordinating and cooperating with EU regulators while providing transparency for Reddit users." The three platforms will have four months to complete compliance.
After joining ChatGPT, Reddit and Roblox, there are currently 28 ultra-large online platforms or search engines recognized by the European Commission in accordance with DSA. Earlier this year, WhatsApp was also included in the same tier, joining Facebook and Instagram that were already on the list. Engadget has contacted OpenAI, Reddit and Roblox for further response. As of the time of the report's update, only Reddit had responded.
